There’s another magical milestone ahead for Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Disney Destiny. Meyer Werft has now shared the plan for her famous Ems River conveyance — the unique backwards journey from the shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, to the North Sea.
This always feels like a Disney moment in real life — crowds gather along the riverbanks to wave as the ship glides by, tugboats guiding her on the way.
And very soon, it’s Destiny’s turn.
According to the tentative schedule, the ship will leave Papenburg late on Friday night, 19 September 2025. She’ll slowly begin her trip along the river before arriving in Eemshaven, Netherlands, on Sunday morning.
That’s where the final touches will be completed before Disney officially takes delivery.
More than 2,000 workers have been involved in creating Disney Cruise Line’s seventh vessel — the third in the Wish Class — inside Hall 6 at the Meyer Werft shipyard since 2023.
The project carried a price tag of about $900 million (£670 million).
When to Watch for Disney Destiny
Here’s the plan right now — but remember, weather, tides, and water levels can all change things quickly!
Friday, 19 September 2025
- Approx. 11:30 p.m. – Destiny in waiting position (Papenburg)
Saturday, 20 September 2025
- Approx. 12:00 a.m. – Passing through dock lock (Papenburg)
- Approx. 4:00–4:30 a.m. – Passing Friesenbrücke bridge (Weener)
- Approx. 7:00–8:00 a.m. – Passing Jann-Berghaus Bridge (Leer)
- Approx. 11:30 a.m. – Arrival at the Ems barrage (Gandersum)
- Approx. 12:30 p.m. – Passing the Ems barrage
- Approx. 2:30 p.m. – Passing Emden
Why the Ship Travels Backwards
Yes, you read that right — the Disney Destiny will sail backwards down the Ems! It may look odd, but it actually gives the pilots more control in the narrow, winding river. Two tugboats will escort her the entire way.
The legendary Emden Pilot Brotherhood will once again take charge of the maneuver.
These experts have guided Disney’s other new ships and even practice the move in high-tech simulators in Wageningen, Netherlands, to make sure everything goes smoothly.
Another Step Closer to Sailing
The conveyance is always one of the most magical previews for cruise fans. It’s the moment the ship truly starts to feel real — no longer in the shipyard, but out in the open, on her way to welcoming guests.
With this exciting move down the Ems River, the Disney Destiny is now just one step away from joining the Disney Cruise Line fleet.
Alison Meacham is the founder of EverythingMouse Disney Blog. For over 15 years she has shared her love of Disney Parks, Disney Cruises and Universal Orlando. In over 30 years of Disney Travel she has spent countless months in Disney Parks and has sailed on over 45 cruises. A British native and now a United States resident she splits her time between California, Florida and the UK. And spends a serious amount of time sailing the seven seas. She helps over 200,000 people per month follow their Disney travel dreams.